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Old 06-16-2008, 10:55 AM   #12 (permalink)
RH77
Depends on the Day
 
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Kansas City Area
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Teggy - '98 Acura Integra LS
Sports Cars
90 day: 32.74 mpg (US)

IMA - '10 Honda Insight EX
Team Honda
90 day: 34.76 mpg (US)

Tessie - '06 Acura TSX Base
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Krieg View Post
I don't have a winter mode, but I do have a Tiptronic tranny that allows starts in third gear.

Anybody do this in a systematic way to determine if it saves gas?

I would think that a higher gear would allow you to keep the throttle open more. Just like short shifting a manual.
Both of our vehicles have the ability to start in 2nd (the TSX has the slap-shift or Tiptronic-style gate).

The impression that I get, is you're really fighting the torque converter from a standing start in 2nd or 3rd. The practice I use, is to get the automatic in the next gear as quickly as possible (with a target engine speed). Otherwise, your energy is going into torque disbursement instead of to the wheels for forward motion.

Where it may be beneficial, is to start in 2nd on a downhill grade if light throttle input is required.

RH77
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